RAPID-CRISPR Test for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Diagnosis
Why in the news
Indian researchers reported a fast, cheap paper-strip test for acute promyelocytic leukemia, addressing the delays of current diagnosis.
About APL
- Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia is a rare, aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- Cause: fusion of the PML and RARA genes, which disturbs white blood cell and platelet production.
- Risk: serious internal bleeding, mainly in lungs and brain, so speed matters.
- Accounts for 10-15% of AML; median age at diagnosis 34 years; male-to-female ratio 1.5:1.
Problem with current methods
- Slow, needing specialised labs, costly equipment and trained staff.
- Out of reach in rural and under-resourced areas.
The RAPID-CRISPR test
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developed at | ACTREC, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai |
| Published in | Blood Advances |
| Funding support | Department of Atomic Energy |
| Full form | RAPID = Redefined APL Identification |
| Technology | CRISPR-based diagnostics, not gene editing |
| Time to result | Under 3 hours |
| Sensitivity | Detects even one copy; 10x better than RQ-PCR |
How it works
- Collect peripheral blood (enough in 80% of cases) or bone marrow.
- Add the reagent, which finds and cuts the mutated gene.
- A signal appears on the strip, guiding quick treatment choices.
Next steps
- Currently three strips cover the isoforms bcr1, bcr2 and bcr3.
- Goal: one strip, one tube; later, home testing.
Exam angle
- Gene fusion: PML-RARA.
- Institution: ACTREC, Mumbai; journal: Blood Advances.